A second Olympic centre is to be created in Haiti

Loyal to its commitment to provide aid to rebuild Haiti’s infrastructure, the IOC begins building a second Olympic centre

On 14 February 2012, in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, the first stone of this centre was laid. Numerous personalities from Haiti’s diplomatic, political and sporting circles attended this ceremony, including the Minister of Youth, Sport and Civic Action, Jean Roosevelt René, and NOC President Jean-Edouard Baker. The IOC was represented by Mario Vázquez Raña, EB member, President of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) and Chairman of the IOC Olympic Solidarity Commission.

Straight after the terrible earthquake which hit the country just over two years ago, the Olympic Movement committed itself to providing aid to rebuild Haiti’s sporting infrastructure as part of the nation’s reconstruction process. It has honoured its commitment, as this project for a centre, which combines sport, education and health, will contribute to the rebuilding of local communities, promote social values and give Haiti’s citizens a glimpse of a better future after the earthquake of 12 January 2010. As underlined by President Rogge: “With the Sport for Hope Olympic centres, athletes, young people and members of disadvantaged communities in developing countries will have the same opportunities as their peers in developed countries to practise sport and learn about the Olympic values.”

The official opening is scheduled for 2014. The centre will include open-air facilities – an athletics track, football fields and basketball, volleyball, tennis and handball courts – as well as indoor amenities – a gymnasium and an administration and training building.